Steelers release initial depth chart

There are few surprises in the team's preseason-opening two-deep depth chart

LATROBE, Pa. – It has been released because the NFL requires one in advance of the preseason, and it can change in an instant because that’s just the nature of things at this stage of the process.

With that in mind, the Steelers have released their first depth chart of 2014, and mostly it serves as confirmation of what already is known.

On offense, Markus Wheaton is listed as the starting wide receiver opposite Antonio Brown, with the rest of the starters on that unit being exactly as expected.

Staying with the receivers, Lance Moore is listed as the primary backup to Wheaton, and Justin Brown is the primary backup to Antonio Brown. Based on this, it would appear that as of the issuing of this initial depth chart Justin Brown is currently the team’s No. 4 receiver.

The starting 11 on defense is the same group that opened minicamp, with rookie Ryan Shazier at inside linebacker next to Lawrence Timmons, and Mike Mitchell as the starting free safety despite being on the physically unable to perform list.

At punter, Adam Podlesh and Brad Wing are listed as co-starters. Archer is the kickoff returner, with Antonio Brown as the punt returner. Archer is No. 2 at punt returner, and Wheaton is No. 2 at kickoff returner.

The Steelers’ preseason opener will be against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, and the next week’s depth chart could include some changes based on what happens that night.